Chapter 129: The Beginning of the Trial
The salty air of the coast was heavy with tension.
Before the students lined up on the beach, the Academy instructors stood in large numbers, their gazes severe and unreadable. Several masked ANBU figures were positioned at strategic points on the cliff, discreetly overseeing the entire field.
And then, at the center of it all, was the Mizukage—Yagura.
Wrapped in his ceremonial robe, his cold, penetrating gaze scanned each student, as if evaluating which of them would survive.
Beside him, Fujino, one of the village's most influential advisors, had an unsettling smile on his lips, almost amused by the entire situation.
On the shore, several boats were lined up, ready to transport the students to the island offshore.
Fujimoto-sensei stepped forward, immediately capturing the class's attention.
"Listen carefully. This is the last obstacle between you and the title of Genin."
The wind whipped his cloak as his gaze moved across the students' faces.
"Your exam will take place on that island."
He pointed to the dark silhouette rising from the sea.
The dense forest, jagged rocks, and the shadow of unseen creatures moving among the trees sent a shiver down more than one student's spine.
"The trial will last three days. Your task is to survive."
A murmur of unease spread through the group.
Fujimoto raised a hand to silence them.
"This trial simulates the life of a shinobi. You will not receive food or water from the Village. You will have to find them yourselves."
Some students' eyes widened.
"There will be dangers."
Fujimoto's tone grew harsher.
"You must be careful whom you trust. Your companions can be your allies… or your enemies."
Silence fell.
Ren clenched his fists. He knew this exam was not just a simple survival challenge.
Fujimoto paused before speaking the words everyone feared.
"There are two conditions to pass the trial."
Some held their breath.
"Either you endure for three days…"
His gaze lowered slightly.
"…or until there is only one survivor left."
A wave of cold terror swept over the beach.
Some students swallowed hard, others lowered their gazes.
Ren observed Fujimoto carefully. His face was darker than usual.
It was clear that he himself did not approve of this tradition, but he had no choice but to enforce it.
Kirigakure never changes…
One by one, the students began boarding the boats.
The vessels headed toward the island, sailing through the dark, treacherous waves.
Ren stood on his boat, the wind lashing his face as he analyzed the situation.
On other boats, he saw Jun'ko, Aoi, Kurara, Yukiko, Shinji, and Shin.
They were not traveling together.
One by one, the students were dropped off at different points on the island, separated from one another.
- - -
The boat touched the shore with a light creak of wood against wet sand.
Jun'ko leaped off with an agile movement, her feet sinking slightly into the shore. The air was thick, the wind carrying the scent of damp vegetation and salt.
Ren's words echoed in her mind.
Keep your eyes open and trust no one.
Clenching her fists, she scanned the area carefully. The jungle ahead was dense, dark, almost suffocating.
No human sounds. No suspicious movements.
But that meant nothing.
Every step she took on the sand was light, silent. She knew that at this moment, her only weapon was caution.
I have to move. Staying here too long means becoming a target.
With determination in her eyes, she stepped into the forest, moving cautiously through the vegetation.
Every shadow could hide danger.
Every rustle could be someone watching her.
But the only thought driving her forward was another.
I hope I find Ren soon.
- - -
When his boat stopped on the shore, Aoi sat for a moment, his eyes scanning the horizon.
He was not nervous.
He was calculating.
He jumped off calmly, his steps sinking slightly into the damp sand. The cold wind ruffled his hair as he analyzed the situation.
Moving randomly through the forest would be risky.
He had two options:
1) Go inland immediately and look for shelter.
2) Stay near the coast and try to find some of his companions.
He chose the second.
He started walking along the beach, keeping his gaze fixed ahead but his ears sharp for any suspicious movement.
The sound of the waves covered the light steps on the sand, and the sun filtering through the clouds created irregular shadows on the shore.
If someone had landed nearby, he might be able to find them.
If I find Jun'ko or Ren, my chances of survival will increase drastically.
The air was heavy. The unnatural silence.
But Aoi kept walking, determined to spot any sign of life.
- - -
Her boat stopped gently, the current slightly pushing the hull onto the sand.
Kurara stepped off unhurriedly.
No hesitation. No tension.
Her face remained impassive, her eyes cold and empty as she analyzed her surroundings.
Then, as soon as her feet touched the ground… she felt it.
A metallic scent.
Faint. But distinct.
Blood.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, her head tilting just a fraction to the side.
Not an expression of surprise.
Just a cold calculation.
She turned toward the jungle, inhaling slightly to better sense the direction.
Then she moved.
- - -
When it was Ren's turn, his boat approached a rocky shore. Without a word, he jumped off, landing smoothly on the wild beach.
The air was thick with humidity, and the sounds of the nearby forest were full of invisible threats.
He turned quickly, watching the boat leave without hesitation.
We're all separated. This could be a problem…
The high sun cast long shadows between the trees, and Ren knew he didn't have much time before the others started moving.
I get it… If they want to simulate a ninja mission, they couldn't let us stay together.
He remained silent for a moment.
Then, without hesitation, he formed three hand seals.
Three clones appeared in front of him.
He immediately assigned them a task.
"Monitor Aoi, Jun'ko, and Kurara."
He didn't want to waste too much chakra, so he gave them just enough to keep an eye on the three companions without being easily detected.
I wanted to avoid using chakra so early… but I have no choice.
The clones quickly disappeared into the forest, moving without making a sound.
Ren stood still for a moment, analyzing the environment around him.
He had three days to survive.
And the hunt had just begun.
On the promontory overlooking the coast, Yagura observed the scene with cold eyes.
Beside him, his advisor Fujino smiled with a devilish expression.
"Let's see who remains standing at the end of this trial."
[Hi There! Ito-kun here ^.^ can you help me down in the comment? I was thinking if i should keep in consideration the knowledge of Boruto too or not, from one side there are many interesting things and clarification, like the summoning technique, that does'nt work like we saw in Naruto, from the other side we can implement some interesting information.
Let me know what do you think about :)
Ps: i already saw some comment regarding it, Thanks to Misteriboi
Thanks everyone specially Jayroy_63 ,Sami_Alfoheday, BagusPardana, thefarmerboy007_7, Darkosiris_Lopez, Alexx_Sejas, Werty_9247, RyuB201, shadowborn, Yasmin_Silva_3876, RyuB201, DaoistVVm1Vi, DaoistDW5XU4, Acnol,DaoistSEsItM,bndr, RyuB201, VanHellsing6969, Daoist710883, WertyTribola, LevinCloth, Daoist0thxiB, bndr, AKIB19,LevinCloth, DaoistAZmi17,Alexx_Sejas, Morgoph, Strandarn, Gothrog, Nonymous_H, Ikaro_Rodrigues, Radical_Hamburger1, Misteriboi, AKIB19, Abdul_Salam_FASAMI, Daoist9Sa84q, Gothrog, shadowborn, DarkGambit, Miguel_024 and Meltis_Pach!
Sincerely Thanks and remember about the Power Stones, these are the motivation for my work :) ]